ACT and Texas Instruments Education Technology launch an online math resource center, study materials, and teacher training to improve students’ performance on the ACT math test.
ACT has announced a new partnership with Texas Instruments Education Technology aimed at helping students perform at their best on the ACT mathematics test.
The collaboration. announced from Iowa City and Dallas. centers on one practical idea: students tend to do better when they can use the tools they’re most familiar with under exam conditions.. ACT and Texas Instruments will introduce a co-branded online resource center with instructional videos showing how to get the most from TI calculators during the ACT math portion.. The materials are designed to support students in applying their mathematical knowledge while also managing the test’s time demands.
Beyond videos, the initiative includes additional study resources intended to strengthen real use—not just theory.. Students will be able to practice with TI calculators in ways that mirror how the ACT math test asks them to think and solve.. For many learners. the difference between “knowing the method” and “finishing the problem” comes down to fluency with the right workflow during a timed assessment.. These resources aim to close that gap, turning calculator capability into something students can apply confidently.
Teacher support is a major part of the plan.. Professional development programs will focus on calculator-based testing strategies. giving educators guidance on what to emphasize in instruction and how to prepare students for using approved technology effectively without introducing unnecessary distractions.. That professional development angle matters because classroom decisions—what gets practiced. how calculators are introduced. and what students are taught to verify—often determine whether a technology tool becomes an advantage or a last-minute hurdle.
This kind of ACT math calculator focus sits within a broader trend in education technology: assessments and instructional tools are increasingly being aligned.. When exam designers encourage the thoughtful use of approved tools. and when school instruction prepares students for that specific environment. it can reduce the friction that sometimes shows up for students who are technically capable but less experienced with calculator workflows under pressure.
From a student perspective, the impact is likely to be felt in confidence and pacing.. Test anxiety is not only about difficulty; it’s also about uncertainty—uncertainty about which steps to take first. how to check answers quickly. and how to avoid time loss.. A dedicated “how to use your calculator during the test” approach can provide a clearer mental map for students on test day. especially those who have used TI calculators for learning but haven’t practiced how to translate that experience into fast. accurate exam routines.
For educators and schools, the partnership offers a structured way to integrate approved calculator use into preparation.. That integration can help teachers build consistent expectations across classrooms. rather than relying on informal guidance or widely varying student experiences.. It also supports equity goals in a practical sense: students who may not have had frequent access to calculator-focused training can still receive targeted study guidance. while teachers gain a clearer framework for instruction.
Looking ahead, ACT and Texas Instruments are effectively setting a benchmark for how assessment-related support can be packaged.. The combination of an online resource center. practice materials. and teacher training suggests an emphasis on systems—not just one-off student tips.. If adopted well across districts. the approach could influence how schools think about math readiness more broadly: not only memorizing procedures. but developing the ability to select efficient strategies. use tools responsibly. and communicate solutions clearly under timed conditions.
The new resources are now available to students and educators through the ACT website under ACT Math Calculator Tips.